Wigan have sacked Uwe Rösler, four days after a resounding vote of confidence. Photograph: Carl Recine/Action Images

Wigan Athletic have sacked their manager Uwe Rösler, four days after a resounding vote of confidence from chairman Dave Whelan.

Rösler, who was appointed in December 2013, came under pressure after two league wins in twelve games left them 22nd in the Championship. Assistant manager Graham Barrow will take temporary charge, assisted by the first team coach Eric Black.

Speaking last week, Whelan insisted Rösler was the man to turn their form around, telling Wigan Today: “There is nothing wrong with the manager.

“A good manager doesn’t become a bad manager overnight, and Uwe Rösler is a good manager. There is no question over his ability. He’s solid. He’s just not getting enough from the players at the moment.

“I spoke with Uwe on Friday and I told him I was 100 per cent behind him. He needs support from everyone, and he will get it. The players need to pull their fingers out and give it everything – not 80 per cent or 90 per cent, but 100 per cent.”

However on Thursday Whelan explained his change of heart on Wigan’s website, saying: “I have thought long and hard about this. I have thought about little else for days in fact.

“Initially my thoughts were that Uwe should be given more time. He is a good manager and I like him immensely as a person, he is honest, passionate and clearly works day and night to try and earn success for the team.

“Following the incredible achievements of last season, I felt it was the right thing to do that he should be given more time. However, the situation we find ourselves in at the moment, and the run of results in recent months, really has been alarming.

“Something is clearly not working. For whatever reason, the team is not gelling, despite substantial financial backing in the summer and the dressing room being blessed with a huge amount of quality. Therefore, I have now come to the reluctant conclusion that for the long term good of the club, we need a change.”